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* We’re finally rid of the corrupt clown, but he’ll still be on our teevees…
Rod Blagojevich is headed back to New York City.
No longer having a state to govern, Blagojevich, removed from office last week by a unanimous vote in the Illinois Senate, is scheduled to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman Tuesday.
CBS, which airs the late night talk show, is billing the appearance as the former governor’s first late-night visit since his ouster.
* And the AP takes a look at his legal team…
Now that he’s been ousted from the governor’s office, Rod Blagojevich is pinning his hopes of staying out of prison on a father-and-son duo of defense attorneys, one of whom grabbed the limelight at R&B superstar R. Kelly’s sex tape trial.
“These are two of the most flamboyant attorneys in town,” DePaul University law professor Leonard Cavise says of the team of Sam Adam and his son, Samuel E. Adam.
What about those public appearances and their impact on his case? Sam Adam, Sr. said it won’t be a problem…
“When he goes to trial he’s going to have to answer questions, and the only drawback would be if he said something in the media that would go to impeach his credibility at the trial and as far as I know he didn’t,” he said.
Comparing himself to Gandhi doesn’t impeach his credibility? I beg to differ. Plus, there was that Rachel Maddow interview, which could be problemmatic…
And so again, without going into detail, [Tribune Co. is] getting the benefit of these things to try to help the Cubs. We just would prefer that they don’t, look, that—that the things that [the Tribune editorial board is] advocating that I be impeached it’d be nice if they they laid off on an issue like that.
Oops.
* The governor said during his interviews and his Senate trial speech that he was completely surprised when he was arrested.
I’d beg to differ.
Why? Just take a look at the subpoena delivered to his downtown office the day before he was arrested. It’s a detailed roadmap of the criminal complaint.
* According to his private PR firm, the governor and/or his wife are not looking for a downtown condo, as was reported in various places. Of course, the PR firm, which also represents Drew Peterson, claimed that the governor did not contemplate resigning, which I believe to be false.
* Related…
* No Unemployment Money For Blagojevich
* Blagojevich campaign fund up in the air
* Insiders’ housing projects targeted
* Feds subpoena Tollway in ongoing Blago probe
* Who will testify for whom?
* No hard feelings; balloons for Blagojevich
* Public leaders can be louses when offstage
* Blagjevich continued odd behavior right to the end
* Kids carry burden of parents fame, shame
* ‘Disappointing’ lesson in political science
* A Governor’s Removal Spurs (the Latest) Calls for Political Reform in Illinois
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 9:42 am
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The Adam family is obviously playing on Blago’s desperate need for the limelight to promote their law business to the obvious endangerment of their client.
Letterman? Have they seen the show in, say, the past 20 years? He’ll be an object of ridicule, which could further goad him into saying something that will hurt him at trial.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 9:51 am
Here’s a great QOTD: What will Letterman’s Top Ten list be for the Blago appearance?
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 9:53 am
I’ve been thinking who among the 177 would actually “champion” ethics reform and what kind of priority it would be. Today i got this survey from Hamos and about fell over laughing (then crying). It asks:
“What are the most important issues for Gov. Quinn to tackle first?
* Pass state infrastructure construction program
* Make sure billions from federal economic recovery plan are spent quickly but wisely
* Restore ethics with stronger limits on lobbyists, campaign finance and other measures
* Fully fund teacher and state employee pensions
* Pay overdue state bills to health and social service providers
* Reform school funding and reduce property taxes
* Balance the state budget”
Note the third bullet: “RESTORE ethics.”
One might ask, restore to what? The good old Ryan days? The good old Blago days? Or how about the good old Edgar (R-MSI) days?
Might I suggest a question of the day?
Who do you think has the will, passion and ability to champion meaningful ethics reform?
Comment by Reform Now! Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:01 am
Word, Blago didn’t know what “Weekend Update” was on SNL until Larry King told him last week…he didn’t know what the Daily Show was a couple of years ago…I wouldn’t be surprised if he HASN’T seen Letterman in two decades.
Comment by Concerned Observer Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:01 am
Blago is a lot like Bill Clinton in that he can’t stand not being the center of attention. The Letterman appearance could only be a detriment to him and he should know that. You never know what will come out his mouth when he is off script.
Comment by Retired State Employee Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:02 am
Blagoof, the “White Elephant Gift” that just keeps on giving.
Comment by Dan S, a Voter and Cubs Fan Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:02 am
It is apparent to me that Blago is going to try a defense that he didn’t know he was breaking the law. For example his use of the term “never intended to break the law” made in his impeachment speech and his interview with the NYT saying he was raised in Chicago politics and that is the way it was always done, ect.
Another words, hang the whole thing on Mell and company. He was a victim of his environment. I bet on Letterman he espouses how he was just following the Chicago way.
I further imagine that this is just a way for him to gain sympathy from the public and eventually plead, spill his guts for a lighter sentence, go to jail and then try to become some type of media freak.
I can’t imagine him wanting all his dirt to come out in trial or even in an indictment, which would mean he would have to throw himself on Fitzgerald’s mercy before the indictment is released.
The wild card is whether the feds will insist on him bringing down his brother, Kelly, some prominent state senators and more. If Blago does decide to sing he might want to move to New York because there will be some folks who might not be able to keep from taking up jogging.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:03 am
Too bad Royko isn’t around to see this mess.
Comment by Macbeth Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:15 am
The pro wrestling industry is even offering Blago some TV time –
http://www.tnawrestling.com/content/view/1288/84/
Comment by Segatari Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:19 am
How can we miss you if you don’t go away?…….now that’s hilarious, but unfortunately so true. I’m sure with all the evidence the feds have on Blagojevich he will start throwing everyone under the bus and they too will start throwing everyone under the bus, and on and on and on. His appearances will do him more harm than good and this circus will fold tents when he is sent packing for many, many years; And that’s after all his deals!
Comment by Justice Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:24 am
Wouldn’t it be a hoot if Fitzgerald was the surprise guest host?
Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:25 am
Possibly, Fred Latsko has a condo for the Blago family to buy or rent.
Comment by Chanson Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:27 am
Could he possibly make enough money as a celebrity/media figure to maybe pay down some of his debts and provide a little for his family while he’s in prison, as he almost certainly will be eventually?
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:30 am
Let’s 86 the Blagojevich topic and concentrate on our new Governor. For instance, are positions of Chief of Staff and Deputy Governor(s) still being held by the same people from the previous administration and with the same authority? What, if any, is the official organization of Gov. Quinn’s office?
Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:31 am
The Blagojevich roadshow is good for just about everyone, save Blago himself. More fodder for the prosecutor, more headlines for the media, more attention on our sorry state of government, and more pressure on legislators to strengthen our pitiful ethics statutes.
Comment by The Doc Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:38 am
==Possibly, Fred Latsko has a condo for the Blago family to buy or rent.==
I’m sure that’s being watched, but no one is that crazy. Are they?
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:45 am
I often thought of politicians as surfers. Both are addicted to riding waves in shark infested waters. Both draw crowds of sightseers who thrill when monster waves crash over the participants, threatening to drown them, just to have a couple lucky enough to ride a tube and speed into land.
Instead of ocean waves, politicians ride issue waves. Like surfers, sometimes a politician catches a small wave that barely causes a ripple. Sometimes they wipe out over a little wave, or crash and nearly drown when hit by a wave they didn’t see coming at them. Like the ocean, our society is always making waves for politicians to surf.
So it isn’t a surprise to me to see we finally have a Hawaiian president. How he was able to catch the right wave and ride it into the White House can probably explain how a politician without experience or record could demonstrate such agility during these turbulent times.
It also explains why some politicians can never stay on land. Clinton, and now Blagojevich, are addicts. Although they found themselves without their trunks, padding around exposed and friendless, these men still thrill at the feeling of superhuman power they once experienced. These guys can’t just sit in the sun. And besides, they think they look good naked and feel no shame.
They believe in themselves. It took confidence to make their own boards, hours of practice learning to read waves and how to ride them, and they believe they still “have it”, even as those around them have “had it” with them.
Like Hasselhoff, Clinton, and Nixon, Blagojevich will always be a surfer. He will always have a board, a tan, a tossle of hair, a big smile, and looking for the next big wave to ride. He will look for blond bikini girls half his age to impress. He will pull in his belly when he thinks he is being photographed. He will shave his back.
Being banned from the beach just doesn’t stop these kinds of people. They cannot be shamed or embarrassed. Their addiction makes them believe, even when no one else does.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:46 am
===Let’s 86 the Blagojevich topic and concentrate on our new Governor. ===
No can do. Far too early for that.
But we will be watching Quinn’s every move. Scroll up for a new story and try to be patient.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 10:51 am
== No can do. Far too early for that. ==
I guess so, but he has always thrived on self-generated media attention that the media has unwaveringly given him (whether good or bad), and I hate the thought of keeping him in Milk Bones. Until his trial actually starts, I’d just as soon not see press time and space being used on him.
Comment by Captain Flume Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:02 am
Twit:
Fmr. gov. appears tom on Today and Late Show w/ David Letterman, other media
Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:07 am
.. and Larry King and Fox:
http://www.prnewschannel.com/absolutenm/templates/?a=1182&z=39
Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:08 am
===I’d just as soon not see press time and space being used on him.===
Then change the channel.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:14 am
Rod’s media appeal is bleepin’ golden. They can’t get enough of him. The public (outside of Il.)loves him. I hope he gets a two good agents, one for the book and one for TV.
He should especially try the lecture circuit. Bill Clinton made over $6 million last year. He could talk about his parents, tell the Mayor Daley story, recite a poem or two and walk away with $75k +.
Comment by Bill Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:15 am
The mere thought of Blago cashing in big time off this disaster makes me ill.
Comment by Bluefish Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:35 am
Bill, I think you’re on to something about Rod’s appeal. But I see Rod’s target demographics a little different than Bubba’s.
I’m thinking more of a verson of “The Surreal Life” on C-Span. A bunch of political has-beens and never-wasses living in a house together in the DC suburbs plotting comebacks.
You could have Blago, Elliott Spitzer Sara Palin, Harriett Miers, Ted Stevens, Gary Condit, Mark Foley, Mel Reynolds. Maybe some other “political” figures like Monica Lewinsky and Gennifer Flowers to spice it up.
And for variety, Charo and Flavor Flav.
No hot tub scenes, please.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:40 am
Bill really does have a possible Blago strategy, however, the bizarre infatuation the ignorant masses outside Illinois feel toward this hairdo could end if far more destructive evidence comes out either via tapes, witnesses or documents.
I can’t see his dishonor airing all this dirty linen, which would mean a quick bargain which might curtail his road tour.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:45 am
Letterman can actually be a tough interview for politicians. THis and the Maddow interview are probably the toughest media he’ll face (note-not the toughest media, the toughest he will face).
Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:46 am
Letterman should be fun.
Sorta wonder about the Petersen/former gov. goofy PR firm and the guys that hired them. I always thought that you hired a PR firm to get positive spin. But with these 2 guys, I guess the idea is to get media exposure regardless of the + or - results?
Comment by sal-says Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:51 am
Word,
Great idea! Don’t forget Gary Hart, that Senator from the mens bathroom in the airport, and the congressman with the cash in his freezer, that crowd favorite Dennis Kucinich, and maybe Paula Jones.
Comment by Bill Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:56 am
Anyone see this link suggesting that Blago should have been appointed CIA director?
http://www.petroleumworld.com/Ed09020201.htm
I really don’t know whether this guy was kidding or serious. If he was serious, he must not live in Illinois and he must be totally clueless about Blago’s true character.
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:58 am
I think it was satire. At least I hope it was.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:59 am
I don’t believe the talk shows are “courting” Blago. I believe his PR firm is doing that for him - they are doing the approaching. My question is: Who is paying this PR firm? They aren’t doing this work for nothing. Blago’s broke and I don’t think Fitz would approve this expense being paid out of the campaign fund. Anyone know?
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 12:23 pm
@LE
This is (almost) free advertising for them as well..
Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 12:35 pm
Letterman put a pretty big hole in McCain’s boat last election, when McCain dissed him. Rod has everything to lose by going on that show. He’ll be made a fool of with “Stupid Governor Tricks” and worse.
He’s going to have to make money the same way Tonya harding did, by playing up to the scandal and selling himself out for media attention for lectures, book deals, and guest appearances. Maybe a “Very Special Episode” of Hannah Montana… more like Tony Montana, maign.
He’s definitely on a downward spiral similar to many fallen pop stars and the like. Disgusting.
Comment by Gregor Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 12:57 pm
Letterman worships Obama. He recognizes that Blagojevich has to be buried under the heaviest rock in the sea to keep his beloved safe from any possible blowback. David will bury Rod.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 1:01 pm
None of the legitimate media pay for guest appearances. Maybe he can sell some pictures to the Enquirer.
Comment by Sangamon Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 1:13 pm
No sympathy at all for the former Governor, Rich? None at all? Nothing for Patty? His two young daughters? Nil?
Comment by Black Ivy Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 2:11 pm
None at all for the governor.
None at all.
For his daughters? Yes. Lots. But none for him.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 2:14 pm
People actually still watch Lettermen? Why?
Tell Blago that DL is supposed to be a comedy show, not a real news show. We don’t want another Daily Show debacle on his hands.
Comment by Wumpus Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 2:24 pm
Rich, have you tried the new GRod game for your iPhone?
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Pay2Play-Corruption-Strategy-iPhone-Game-Awaiting-Approval-103435.shtml
Comment by Anon Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 3:52 pm
Sam Adam says Blago will answer questions at his criminal trial? Uh, no. Ten dollars says Blago does not even take the stand at the trial. Of course, they don’t have to say that now so they can go around pretending he will. Just like so much other pretending Rod has done.
Comment by Cheswick Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 4:44 pm
My Magic 8 ball says “On Letterman: The top 10 reasons Rod Blagojevich feels good, delivered by our very own Rod Blagojevich.”
10. 59-0. That’s like batting 1.000. What an up day!
9. The hair. They were just jealous the hair had become a huge symbol.
8. What me worry?
7. That context gimmick really threw them a curve, huh?
6. Hey, I got some real nice fabric for that chair right over here.
5. 12 million voters can’t be wrong, twice.
4. It’s not pay to play. It’s paid then play. Big difference.
3. If I was such a bad guy would I be here doing this?
2. When I talked to the Senators you could hear a pin drop. It was like being in church.
1. I’m sitting in for Regis next week.
Comment by zatoichi Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 6:12 pm
ummm…..Davis and Rezko, and IDHA and a deal worked on by Obama, among the entire list. funny, somehow many of us knew that we were not done with that whole story yet. guess KKDibble and co. will have to stay away from HUD.
Comment by Amy Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 6:14 pm
Anon 12:35 - so then is this another example of Quid Pro Quo for the FORMER governor? I just love that word “former”.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 6:30 pm
Word! word, re: the Reality TV show. Intriguing and I’m sure would get high ratings.
Fear though is that it would somehow turn into a new form of campaigning and everyone who wouldn’t qualify to “enter” the house would never get a chance to run.
Good material, though, for a novel ala Asimov or Bradbury.
Comment by Ahem...The REAL Anonymous Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 9:08 pm
Hey Rich - when will we get a listing of all of the subpoenas that Blago received and released about a week ago? I have been watching and only saw info about 3 of them. It would be nice to see all of them - weren’t there about 45?
Thanks!
Comment by Cat Monday, Feb 2, 09 @ 11:10 pm